30th ANNIVERSARY
FEBRUARY 5-20, 2018 | VOL 32 NO 03
THE PULSE OF THE FILIPINO COMMUNITY SINCE 1987
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Winter Fun For Everyone Winter is in full swing at the Forks as Kathrine Umali and Jun-Jun Dalisay frolic in front of one of the newest warming huts - Golden Bison, design from Mexico. The Forks unveiled the winners of the 2018 Warming Huts Competition and officially announced the full extension of the Red River Mutual Trail at a whopping 7.5kms. Photo by Ron Cantiveros | Filipino Journal WINTER | 4 ►
Pasasalamat Awards Gala
COMMUNITY| 20 & 21 ►
February: I Love To Read Month
COMMUNITY|9-11 ►
Vickar-ANCOP Project
COMMUNITY| 15 ►
Lea Michele, fan of Lea Salonga STARIRAY| 18 ►
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Red River Mutual Trail stretches 7.5kms & 2018 Warming Huts
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he 2018 Red River Mutual Trail build is complete – offering skaters (and walkers, cyclists, cross country skiiers, and joggers) a whopping 7.5 kilometres stretching from Churchill Dr. on the Red River, to Arlington St. on the Assiniboine – the longest trail since 2009. The last time it extended over 6.5 km
was in 2009 when we won the Guinness Book of World Records for 9.34 kms of trail. “We’re excited to be afforded the conditions to extend the trail down both the Red and Assiniboine this year, and offer this mode of connection to various communities,” says Paul Jordan, Chief Executive Officer,
The Forks. “It’s outstanding to see this city come to life on the rivers in the wintertime – whether people are using it to commute to work daily, or as a fun family activity on evenings and weekends.” The Red River Mutual Trail opened December 22, and has been open for a total of 33 days – the same length of time the 2017 trail was open in total. Record numbers were seen last weekend, with some 77,000 visitors skating the trail. Six new warming huts are ready for the River Trail The class of 2018 warming huts include the Golden Bison (Mexico), Totem (Eastonia) and The Trunk (Vancouver). The fourth warming hut, “Temple of Lost Things” was designed by awardwinning filmmaker and artist Guy Maddin. The last two warming hut designs were submitted by students. “Pontagon” is designed by the University of Manitoba’s
Faculty of Architecture and “#HUGMUG” is from Grade 11 students at Mennonite Brethren Collegiate Institute.
Photos by Bryan Mesias | Filipino Journal
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Winnipeg Jets ready for 10-game home stand
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he NHL All-Star game is over and returning from the All-Star celebrations, Winnipeg Jet’s Blake Wheeler and Connor Hellebuyk are ready for February and 10-game homestand at Bell MTS Place. Goalie Michael Hutchinson opened with a win over the league leading Tampa Bay Lightning. This was Hutchinson’s first NHL start this year after he was called up from the AHL Manitoba Moose and also representing the Manitoba Moose at the AHL All-Star Game. The Jets have Adam Lowry back from injured reserve, Mark Scheifele is now skating in practice with a non-contact jersey and defenseman, Jacob Trouba is out with a lower body injury for 6-8 weeks. The Jets 10-game homestand takes up the majority of games in February and will see them play Golden Knights, Coyotes, Blues, Rangers, Capitals, Panthers, Kings and Avalanche twice. It's going to be a busy month at Bell MTS Place and the next away game isn't until February 23 in St. Louis. The Jets remain at the top of the Central Division, and 2nd in the Western Conference behind the Vegas Golden Knights.
Photos by Star Roxas | Filipino Journal
2 ND F L O O R C I T Y P L A C E , 2 3 3 H A R G R AV E S T.
VISIT WINNIPEG’S ONLY
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The Republic of Adobo by Rod E. Cantiveros
US billionaire philanthropist Soros claims Facebook and Google harm individuals, market innovation and democracy? Are the days of these IT giants numbered.
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he looming threats against the US IT giants like Facebook and Google have been lurking on the horizon.One of the latest move was felt during the recently held World Economic Forum held at Davos, Switzerland, when the US billionaire and philanthropist George Soros, in his speech, predicted that regulations and taxation will soon dethrone Facebook and Google, describing that these titans in the tech industry as powerful monopolies that harm individuals, market innovation and democracy, as reported by the Washington Post. And Soros furthered his openness when he says; "Facebook and Google have grown into ever-more powerful monopolies, they have become obstacles to innovation and they have caused a variety of problems, at which we are only now beginning to become aware." And he cited that regulation and taxation will soon dethrone the two IT giants as he urged that the American officials have to draw an effort from the European counterparts, particularly European Union Competition Commissioner Margrethe Vestager, a former Dutch economy minister, and other EU officials who have recently advanced a host of enforcement against these prominent UST web giants. As an observation, Soros strongly identified these web giants on the changing climate of on-line advertising and the explosion of fake news on their popular social media platform. Why do critics are against on on-line advertising?
There is now an upheaval in the printed world of newspapers. Many major and prestigious newspaper are folding out because of the shifting load of advertising money. Some newspaper publications have to condense their operations and lay-off witers and employees. Even, in Canada, the newspaper publishers are crying , urging the Federal government for financial support or subsidy to supplement the failing advertising revenues. The publishers claimed that that the newspapers are the best platform to disseminate information to the public; that this printed page has the social responsibility to fully aware what is going on in the city, and in the community at large. The newspaper has a role to play in the current society dotted with so many problems in politics, in environment, in economy, and in security. They need financial help from the Federal government. And with the advent and the continuous proliferation of these web giants, the printed world needs an obituary for themselves. And the mainstream newspapers are not alone, even the ethnic newspapers are also feeling the changes. These community newspapersnever receive any funding from the civic government, except from a few councillors who place their ads in the newspapers. The only support from the provincial and federal governments are advertising placements in a very irregular basis. Thanks to the local businesses for their advertising placements
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February 5-20, 2018
The Pulse of the Filipino Community Since 1987
and thanks to our readers who support our local advertisers. And truthfully, the ethnic newspapers are the best platforms to inform our community members on the local, provincial, the federal and the hometown news. How about the spread of disinformation in the social media platform? The presence of fake news which has been tarnishing the very essence of the core values in the practice of journalism? It seems that there are no clear dividing line between the real news and the fake news? And through this social media platform where millions log on, and being bombarded by news from the different sectors, the news readers have difficulty classifying the news whether it is fake or not. And the fake news have become the hot issues being discussed by the regulators, by the news practicioners, by big time politicians. Take the case of Trump's victory in the recently held election in the US. The two sides of the issues have been in collision course, claiming the proliferation of fake news. American people are confused! Which news is true? Same scenario has been going in in other countries? Take the Philippines politics which mudded with so many issues on fake news. Both camps blamed each other, both sides have defending each other, and as a result, the changes promised by President Duterte has been marred with controversies. It seems that the advent of the social platform has become the stumbling block for progress, has become the forum of love and hate, has become a change agent for the worse. Even Senator Poe wants to find out how to block Facebook in the Philippines. Would you call this as progress when in reality, as reported by Soros, the web giants harm individual relationships, deadens the pathway through market innovations, and democracy is in peril? Are the days of uploading and downloading your photos and message in the facebook; and finding anything in the google numbered? Probably we would go back to the very basic of human integration and interaction, closer relationship with our loved ones by looking at us, at your eyes, talking to you with sweet nothings, chatting and talking to each other and NOT through a CELLPHONE!
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‘Tokhangers’ not allowed at night, weekends
A
new memorandum signed by PNP chief Dir. Gen. Ronald Dela Rosa now prohibits anti-drug intelligence gathering operations at nighttime and on weekends. PNP spokesperson CSupt. Dionardo Carlos on Wednesday disclosed that operations must be conducted only from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Friday but may exceed this period only if necessary. Carlos added the guidelines would discourage
questionable operations during late night or early morning and would promote transparency and safety both for the suspects and the so-called Tokhangers, or police officers involved in operations. Also included in the guidelines are the wearing of proper uniforms during operations, promoting a less bloody drug war, and the use of body cameras when available to record the operations. The PNP was heavily criticized for alleged abuses
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during anti-drug operations, including the killing of teenagers Kian Delos Santos, Carl Arnaiz and Reynaldo de Guzman.
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February 5-20, 2018
PEREZCOPE by Perry Diaz PerryDiaz@gmail.com
Caligula Trumpus Americanus
I
f there is one Roman emperor that that makes me laugh, it was Caligula. His real name was Gaius Julius Caesar Germanicus. He succeeded Tiberius in AD 37. He ruled for only four years and was assassinated in AD 41 at the young age of 28. He got his moniker “Caligula” (meaning “little soldier’s boot,” the diminutive form of “caliga”), which he hated, from the Roman soldiers who served under his father Germanicus, a popular general and Tiberius’ nephew and adoptive son. His mother was Agrippina the Elder, granddaughter of Tiberius. Upon the death of Germanicus, Agrippina returned to Rome with her six children where she became entangled in a bitter feud with Tiberius. It resulted in the destruction of her family. Caligula was the sole male survivor. Tiberius adopted him. Following the death of Tiberius, Caligula succeeded him in AD 37. Caligula enjoyed a brief period of popularity and admiration. He was described as a noble and moderate emperor during the
first six months of his rule. But it didn’t take too long before he earned the wrath of the people. For the brief time that he ruled Rome, Caligula exhibited cruelty, lunacy, sadism, extravagance, and sexual perversion. Many believed he was crazy. Among those that Caligula was known to have insanely done were: He terrorized Rome with his unbridled madness; talked to the moon; ordered arbitrary executions; and planned to make his horse Incitatus a consul. For one thing, his fellow lawmakers would likely have whisked him out of power for such conduct. But assuming the much-maligned emperor was the loon his chroniclers describe, some scholars have suggested that an illness made him come unhinged—possibly temporal lobe epilepsy, hyperthyroidism or Wilson’s disease, an inherited disorder that can cause mental instability. [Source: http://www. history.com/news/history-lists/7things-you-may-not-know-aboutcaligula]
Pag-ibig Pag-ibig/Pagmamahal/isang salitang may malalim na kahulugan/ isang kataga/na pag-naghari sa puso ng bawat isa, ay matatamo ang walang kahulilip na kaligayahan. Inibig ng Diyos ang tao. Iibigin ng tao ang kanyang kapwa, ngayon dala ko ang sulong tatanglaw, upang buksan ang iyong mga puso. Pumipintig ang puso, ang itinitibok nito ay pag-ibig/ang pagmamahalan, liligaya ang mundo/ Natatamo ang hinahangad na kapayapaan. Buksan ang isang yugto/sa aklat ng buhay sa pamamagitan ng pagmamahalan, liligaya ang lahat. Ako si Mercie Cuaresma naririto sa inyong harapan, taglay ang mainit na damdamin, na pag-hariin sa buong kapaligiran ang pag-iibigan. Ngunit tayong lahat, ngiting nagmumula sa puso, hayaan natin maghari ang isang totoong damdamin. Pag-ibig ng Diyos sa tao, Pag-ibig ng tao sa Diyos, Pag-ibig ng tao sa knyang kapwa. Ngayon, nawa’y maghari ang pag-iibigan, amg pag mamahalan sa ating lahat. At sa maraming sandal ay tumimo sa ating mga sarili ang tunay na diwa ng katagang “PAG-IBIG.”
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Trump and Caligula Two millennia later, history seems to have repeated itself – in America. The 2016 presidential election in the United States has brought to fore an eerie similarity between the presidential winner, Donald J. Trump, and Caligula. For his first year in office, President Trump demonstrated a character and idiosyncrasy that mimics Caligula. One wonders if Trump has some form of mental disorder? In an opinion piece in May 2017 in The Washington Post titled, “Trump has a dangerous disability,” George F. Will wrote: “It is urgent for Americans to think and speak clearly about President Trump’s inability to do either. This seems to be not a mere disinclination but a disability. It is not merely the result of intellectual sloth but of an untrained mind bereft of information and married to stratospheric self-confidence.” “He has instructed us that Andrew Jackson was angry about the Civil War that began 16 years after Jackson’s death. Having, let us fancifully imagine, considered and found unconvincing William Seward’s 1858 judgment that the approaching Civil War was ‘an irrepressible conflict,’ Trump says: ‘People don’t realize, you know, the Civil War, if you think about it, why? People don’t ask that question, but why was there the Civil War? Why could that one not have been worked out?’ “ It’s obvious that Trump has a cockeyed view of American history. Or worse, could it be that he’s insane? “This guy is insane!” Not too long ago, Trump attended a dinner with several Latin American leaders. They discussed the political and economic problems in Venezuela. Critical of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, the leaders expressed apprehension over how Maduro was handling the crisis. And out of the blue, Trump expressed surprise that they did not want a war with Venezuela. For his part, Trump proposed a “military option” to ensure Maduro leaves office. According to a Politico news report, many of the gathered officials thought, “This guy is insane!” They were in shock. Trump has been the subject in discussion among well-known psychiatrists, psychologists,
and mental health experts. A new book, “The Dangerous Case of Donald Trump: 27 Psychiatrists and Mental Health Experts Assess a President,” has concluded, “Trump’s mental state presents a clear and present danger to our nation and individual well-being.” The media chatterati seems to be of one mind: “Donald Trump is mentally incompetent and may have to be removed from office before he blows us all to hell.” [Source: TheAmericanConservative.com] In the book, twenty-seven psychiatrists, psychologists, and other mental health experts argue that, in Mr. Trump’s case, their moral and civic “duty to warn” America supersedes professional neutrality. They then explore Trump’s symptoms and potentially relevant diagnoses to find a complex, if also dangerously mad, man. The solution, to their minds, lies in the 25th Amendment to the Constitution, which creates a mechanism outside of impeachment to remove an “incapacitated” president. Trump’s mental state, some believe, qualifies him. Is there a case? [Ibid] Nuclear Button Many believe there is a case. And this scares a lot of Americans. They don’t know when Trump would have another episode of threatening to push the “nuclear button” like what happened between him and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. Kim Jong-un had stated in one of his commentaries that the “Nuclear Button is on his desk at all times.” Trump responded on Twitter, “Will someone from his depleted and food starved regime please inform him that I too have a Nuclear Button, but it is a much bigger & more powerful one than his, and my Button works!” His tweet sent jitters around the world’s capitals. American lawmakers, diplomats, and national security experts were particularly alarmed. They called it “juvenile” and frightening for “a president handling a foreign policy challenge with world-wrecking consequences.” The language was reminiscent of Mr. Trump’s boast during the 2016 presidential campaign that his hands, and by extension his genitals, were in fact big enough.” [Source: New York Times]
Contributing Writers:
The Pulse of the Filipino Community Since 1987
Johnny Cantiveros
Max Sangil
Jackie Wild
Ryan Reyes
Gem & Lita Anis
Derick Ramos
Levy Abad
Allan Madriaga
Tony & Letty Antonio Star Roxas
Publisher
Alfred Gaddi Bryan Mesias
Ron Cantiveros
Nonie Manalili
Business Development
Associate Editor
Eric Labaupa
Photographers:
Rodolfo E. Cantiveros
aLfie vera mella
Perry Diaz
Derksen Printers (Steinbach, MB)
Rosalinda Linsangan Natividad-Cantiveros
Founder, Publisher & Editor-in-Chief- Filipino Journal (1987-2008)
Printers
Rulers by accident Caligula and Trump were born a world apart: different cultures, different upbringing, and different eras. But in so many ways, their minds worked alike. They both became rulers by accident, not by pedigree or design. In a new book Quid Pro Quo, author Valerie Block says of Caligula: “An arrogant, narcissistic, blond serial rapist attains the highest office in the land, abuses his power, and offends everyone personally: this is the subject of my newest novel, Quid Pro Quo, a behind-the-scenes look at the assassination of Caligula, the third Emperor of ancient Rome. It is impossible to ignore the many echoes of Caligula’s story that played out in the 2016 election of Donald J. Trump, a man whom the 2nd century historian Suetonius might have been describing when he wrote of Caligula, “there was nothing in his own character which he admired and approved more highly than…his shameless impudence.” Block also said that Caligula and Trump share a lot of characteristics, to wit: (1) Narcissism [“All of the women on The Apprentice flirted with me – consciously or unconsciously. That’s to be expected,” he boasted]; (2) Grandiosity [“I know more about ISIS than the generals do, believe me.”]; (3) Cruelty [Trump once said, “I would bring back waterboarding and I’d bring back a hell of a lot worse than waterboarding.”]; (4) Comfort with negative attention [“Bad publicity is sometimes better than no publicity at all. Controversy, in short, sells.”]; (5) Sexual misconduct, promiscuity, and violence [“You know I’m automatically attracted to beautiful women, I just start kissing them, it’s like a magnet. You know when you’re a star they let you do it. You can do anything. Grab them by the pussy. You can do anything.” -- Trump talking to the host of Access Hollywood in 2005.]; (6) Motivated by revenge [“My motto is: Always get even. When somebody screws you, screw them back in spades.”]; and (7) Delusion [“I alone can fix it.”]. With all these similarities, Trump might as well be called Caligula Trumpus Americanus. Could it be that Trump is Caligula reincarnated?
We welcome submissions-news, articles, pictures and letters. Letters must include signature and phone number; names can be withheld upon request. We reserve the right to edit for length and content. All submissions, unless arrangements are made, become the property of the publisher. Reproduction of contents, in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited without the expressed written permission from the Publisher/Editor. Opinions by columnist, writers, and readers do not in any way reflect those of the Publisher/Editor. Published by
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February is “I Love To Read Month” and the students from Meadows West School have collected the following creative and inspiring reasons why reading is important. In schools and libraries all across Manitoba, the entire month of February is
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dedicated to promoting the love of reading. Schools have adopted many ideas to promote reading including inviting local community celebrities, politicians and professional athletes to read to kids. You may have seen
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Winnipeg Jets players in recent years visiting and reading to kids during February. Thank you to Mrs. Recuenco, Principal Roger Le Grand and Vice Principle Jennifer Cox and all the students at Meadows West School for your “I Love To Read Month” submissions.
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Jerusalem, "The City of Peace" (Part II) by Gem and Lita Anis
for the Jews, The Church of the Holy Sepulchre (built over the tomb of Jesus Christ) for the Christians, and The Dome of the Rock (spot from which Prophet
modestly, means shoulders and Arabia, it was built over a sacred legs covered. There are dark- stone. Muslim tradition holds coloured shawls available in a that the footprints of the Prophet basket at the entrance to wrap Mohammed are said to be on the around the arms and cover the rock. legs. Regardless of how seriously A major pilgrimage centre you take your faith these sacred for all Christians all around the places have to be on your list of world is The Church of the Holy must-see sites in the Holy Land. Sepulchre, also known as the Church of Resurrection. It contains two holiest sites of Christianity the site of Jesus Christ crucifixion at Calvary or Golgotha and tomb of His burial and resurrection. The last four stations of the Via Dolorosa representing the final episodes of Jesus Passion are The Dome of the Rock. within the church proper. The most famous Islamic site in the Old City of Jerusalem is the impressive golden-capped Dome of the Rock which can be seen from all over the city. Not a mosque but a Muslim shrine built by Calip Umayyad Abd al-Malik in 691 CE, the Dome enshrines the rock The Church of the Holy Sepulchre. from which P r o p h e t Mohammed is said to have ascended to heaven after his journey from Mecca to Jerusalem on the winged steed alBuraq. Like the Kaaba in Mecca, Saudi Gem & Lita at the Old City of Jerusalem.
KEEPING MANITOBA
GOING GROWING AND
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he Old City is home to most of Jerusalem's great religious landmarks - The Western Wall (all that remains of the holy temple of biblical times)
Mohammed ascended to heaven) for the Muslims. A place of prayer and pilgrimage sacred to the Jewish people, The Western Wall, also called The Wailing Wall, is a 187-foot-high section of the ancient wall of a temple built by King Herod the Great. It is the only remnant of the holy edifice that stood on the Temple Mount. Praying at the wall by writing missives and prayers (known as kvitlach in Jewish) on scraps of paper and placing them between the stones of the wall is a very unique experience for us. Even Pope John Paul II had done this by stuffing a prayer in the cracks of the wall. It is believed that every written prayer at the wall becomes an eternal prayer. These prayers are collected after every few days by a caretaker who buries them on the Mount of Olives in a 2,000year old Jewish cemetery east of Jerusalem. Men and women used to go and pray separately to the wall to pray, no intermingling; however, it is not the way anymore. There is no more separation between men and women: now they can pray in the same place at the same time. Men must cover their heads with a Jewish skull cap called yamakah or kippa or a paper yarmulke provided free at the entrance to use while you are near the sacred wall. Women are not required to cover their heads but must dress
From healthcare to highway repair, over 40,000 MGEU members across the province deliver the public services we count on every day. They’re hard at work on the frontlines and behind the scenes keeping Manitoba going and growing.
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Aklan Association of Manitoba - Ati-Atihan Fiesta celebrations
Photos by Noni Manalili
Oak & Grain wins Inaugural Fried Chicken Fest Bragging Rights
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Chef Kelly Catani with the winning fried chicken dish and Chris Montesa, line cook displaying the Fried Chicken Fest trophy.
Chef Kelly Cattani of the Oak & Grain can proclaim, “Winner, Winner, Chicken Dinner” as the voters have cast their online ballots and bragging rights for winner of the inaugural Fried Chicken Fest. The winning fried chicken dish from Oak & Grain was a 3 toasted slider buns stuffed with lightly pickled cucumber salad, mayo, lettuce, and buttermilk fried chicken. Fifteen Winnipeg restaurants competed in the week-long culinary competition featuring signature fried chicken dishes. Oak & Grain at the Hilton Winnipeg Airport Suites located at 1800 Wellington Avenue. Restaurants participating in this year’s Fried Chicken Fest include: The Oak & Grain, Promenade Cafe & Wine, The Tallest Poppy, Have A Nice Day, Santa Lucia Pizza (St. Mary's Road), Underdogs, Pineridge Hollow, KYU Grill, Blaze Restaurant & Lounge, La Carnita Winnipeg, Inferno's on Academy, Brazen Hall, ERA Bistro, Summit Cafe, The Merchant Kitchen, little goat food & drinks,
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The Cornerstone, and Little Bones Wings. The creators of Fried Chicken Fest are Susie Erjavec Parker and Allan Pineda. Susie is the principal of SPARKER Strategy Group and has extensive restaurant and food marketing experience. Chef Allan is the creator of Baon Manila Nights and produces pop-ups around the globe. They roughed out Fried Chicken Fest over a restaurant table in the heart of Winnipeg and the rest is history. “We’re delighted with the feedback on this first event, and we expect Fried Chicken Fest to only get bigger and better,” said Susie Erjavec Parker.
February 5-20, 2018
The Pulse of the Filipino Community Since 1987
15
Baliuag welcomes Larry and Tova Vickar and their staff to inauguarate ANCOP Canada’s free housing projects Larry and Tova Vickar, CEO and president of Vickar Autogroup, Inc., together with their son, Stephen Vickar and his wife, Marie, and staffs Steve Lipischak, and his wife, Lindsy and Robert Misa, were warmly welcomed by the officials of the Town of Baliuag led by Mayor Ferdie Estrella, to officially inaugurate the project of ANCOP Canada's building homes for the less fortunate in Starville 4 Housing Project at Barangay Piel. A colourful presentation of dance was performed by the students of Teodoro Evangelista Memorial School. At the formal ceremony, Larry Vickar, CEO and president of Vickar Autogroup Inc. addressed the City of Baliuag Officials: "We're are excited to be here in Baliuag, Bulacan, and when I hear the good things about the Mayor, it makes us all feel good and respected that the beneficiaries, the end result of what we're here for this afternoon is all good, with the one idea in
mind, the mind to help those who are less fortunate than us," said Larry Vickar, Sponsor, ANCOPCPC Canada. In response, Baliuag town Mayor Ferdie Estrella said: "Nagpapasalamat po ako sa ating mga ka-partners mula sa ANCOP CANADA sa kanilang tulong na ibinibigay dito sa ating Bayang Baliuag sapagka't
napakarami pong matutulungan ng proyektong ito, lalong higit yung mga kababayan natin na walang tahanan." Larry and Tova Vickar, together with his staff, were in the Philippines recently to visit some other housing projects in Camiguin Island and to meet the relatives and friends of the Filipinos working in their five dearlerships.
Tova and Larry with Baliuag Town Mayor Ferdie Estrella.
Larry and Tova are welcomed upon their arrival in Baliuag, Bulacan.
Mayor Estrella gives a welcome address to the delegation.
Larry Vickar addresses the Baliuag town event.
Tova, Larry, Stephen Vickar, Marie, Mayor Estrella and council members.
The ANCOP-CANADA delegation led by Larry and Tova, with the Baliuag town officials led by Mayor Estrella, and the performers from Teodoro Evangelista Memorial School.
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February 5-20, 2018
The Pulse of the Filipino Community Since 1987
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February 5-20, 2018
The Pulse of the Filipino Community Since 1987
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February 5-20, 2018
The Pulse of the Filipino Community Since 1987
Lea Michele is a fan of Lea Salonga Hollywood actress Lea Michele posted a photo on Twitter with Lea Salonga after the latter’s Broadway performance in the revived “Once on This Island.” The “Glee” actress said she has been a fan of Salonga since she was a little girl and feels incredible seeing her. Salonga thanked her by saying that it’s not often she met a namesake and that she is also a big fan of Michelle. In the show, Salonga plays Goddess of Love Erzulie. Other celebrities who have viewed the show include Darren Criss, Tina Fey, Neil Patrick Harris and Tyra Banks.
Director Maryo J. delos Reyes passes away
M
ulti-awarded film and TV Director Maryo J Delos Reyes has passed away on Jan. 27. His manager June Rufino confirmed that the 65 year-old director died around 10 p.m. Saturday after suffering a heart attack while attending a party of a friend in Dipolog City. Delos Reyes directed the films "Magnifico" starring Jiro Manio, "A Love Story" starring Aga Muhlach, Angelica Panganiban and Maricel Soriano and "Naglalayag" starring Nora Aunor, Aleck Bovick and Yul Servo. His last film was "The Unmarried Wife," released in 2016, starring Panganiban. The wake will be at the Loyola Memorial Chapels along Commonwealth Ave. from Jan. 30, 6 p.m. Interment will be on Sat., Feb. 3.
Nominations for int’l acting award surprises John Lloyd
A
ctor John Lloyd Cruz expressed disbelief t when he learned that he had been nominated for an international acting award. John Lloyd’s nomination as Best Supporting Actor in the 15th International Cinephile Society awards was for his role as Hollanda in “Ang Babaeng Humayo” (The Woman Who Left). The movie was directed by Lav Diaz. The actor is being nominated alongside icons such as Daniel Day-Lewis, Willem Dafoe, French veteran actress Juliette Binoche, Cynthia Nixon and Emmy-award winner Laurie Metcalf. Fans and followers wrote congratulatory messages for his unexpected nomination.
Young Fil-Ams compete in “America’s Got Talent”
T
he 12th season of “America’s Got Talent” will feature young Filipino-American contestants. Angelica Hale is a 10 yearold singer from Atlanta, Georgia. who wants to pursue her singing career. Singer-dancer Merrick Hanna is 12 years old and is from Encinitas, California. He said he
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learned his dancing skills from his grandmother. Darci Lynne from Oklahoma City is a 13-year old ventriloquist. Ten-year-old Artyon Celestine and 9-year-old Paige Glenn are dance partners from Murrieta, California Singer Evie Clair of Arizona draws inspiration by singing for her sick father . She is 14 years old
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Angelica Hale
The Pulse of the Filipino Community Since 1987
February 5-20, 2018
Hot Rod’s Sweet Pork Longanisa Poutine
I
f the Philippines had discovered poutine, bites of longanisa with fries, gravy and cheese would be the perfect mix. Keeping as true to Montreal poutine as possible, Hot Rod's Longanisa poutine is made with crispy golden fries, slices of Hot Rod's premium lean sweet pork longanisa sausages, Bothwell SqueaK'r white cheese curds, and savoury adobo pork gravy. Come to Hot Rod's Grill for Winnipeg’s first ever La Poutine Week will take place from February 1 – 7, 2018.
2000 Main Street - 204-480-7474 catering@hotrodsgrill.ca
Senate passes bill to make O Canada more gender neutral The Senate has given its final approval to the legislation, which would change the second line of the anthem from “in all thy sons command” to “in all of us command.” The Senate has passed a bill to make the national anthem more gender neutral, fulfilling the dying wish of Liberal MP Mauril Belanger. The Senate has given its final approval to the legislation, which would change the second line of the anthem from “in all thy sons command” to “in all of us command.” The legislation now only requires formal royal assent before it becomes law. Belanger pushed the legislation for years, but it took on far greater urgency after he was diagnosed with ALS, or Lou Gehrig’s disease, following the 2015 federal election. The Commons passed the bill in June 2016, with the ailing Belanger in the House.
The longtime Liberal died just over two months later. The bill had stalled in the Senate as Conservatives fought its passage, but it won Senate approval on a voice vote Wednesday after a pair of procedural votes. Following the vote, the office of Conservative Senator Larry Smith sent out a statement saying “so-called Independent senators” had shut down debate “using tools never before applied by individual senators. “In protest of these illegitimate actions, the Senate Conservative caucus refused to participate in a series of votes this evening,” a spokesperson for Smith said in the statement.
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February 5-20, 2018
The Pulse of the Filipino Community Since 1987
Pasasalamat: A Gratitude Gala Celebrating Community Volunteers
O
n January 27th, 2018, community leaders and volunteers gathered at the Hilton Winnipeg Airport Suites for the first ever awards gala by the team behind Culture Card to celebrate the volunteer initiatives of the Filipino community. Nominations for the awards were gathered from the city, with names of individuals and groups that community members wanted to see recognized for their volunteer efforts to promote, preserve, and share our cultural values, interests and traditions. Lead organizer Judianne Jayme had the visions and intent to have, under one roof, all those who work behind the scenes to provide services or celebrations for the vibrant and growing Filipino community. Often, volunteers do what they do without seeking any
type of recognition, and this event was created to encourage our community leaders to continue what they do and know that they are appreciated. Nominees serve the Filipino community and are all volunteers, not generating a personal income from their endeavours. The evening’s Master of Ceremonies were the contestants of the youth public speaking contest Dalagita, both from 2017 and 2018. The spectacular event decor was sponsored by Just in Couture, with the program coordination and DJ services done by MYXZ Images, who were the folks behind the seamless program flow. Pasasalamat: A Gratitude Gala highlighted the profiles of the many volunteers in the community. VIP ticket holders
Immigration & Settlement Awardee - #PinoyCanada | Forum.
had a 3-course dinner designed by Jeremy Senaris and prepared by the staff at the Hilton. All guests enjoyed the program with performances by Maria Aragon, Faith Arintok, Sheryllynn Padua, Ron Nazario, and original music by Jerick Reyes. Judges had the difficult task of selecting a winner for each category, although we all know that these volunteers are all winners in their own right! The judges for the awards were Nic Curry (MLA for Kildonan), Alfie Vera Mella (assoc. editor of Filipino Journal and lead vocalist of haLf man haLf eLf), Sachit Mehra (volunteer spokesperson for 2017 Canada Games, owner of East India Company restaurant), and Lilian Tankard (director continuation on page 21
Community Celebrations & Gatherings Awardee Manitoba Filipino Street Festival.
Newcomer Volunteer Recognition Awardee - Leila Castro.
Volunteers.
Youth Volunteer Awardee - Hazel Anne Maria Aragon. Papelleras.
Arts & Entertainment Philippines Inc.
Awardee
Sports & Fitness Awardee. - Winnipeg Sikaran Arnis Academy.
-
Magdaragat
Language & Heritage Awardee- Ernesto Ofiaza Jr.
Lifetime Volunteer Awardee - Aida Champagne.
FaithA rintok.
Jeremy Senaris.
Ron Nazario.
Sheryllynn Padua.
Jerick Reyes. Photos by Jeprox Photography.
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Pasasalamat... of partnerships and visitor experiences for Travel Manitoba). The awardees from the first ever Pasasalamat: A Gratitude Gala are: Arts & Entertainment Magdaragat Philippines Inc. Language & Heritage - Ernesto Ofiaza Jr. Community Celebrations & Gatherings - Manitoba Filipino Street Festival
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February 5-20, 2018
The Pulse of the Filipino Community Since 1987
Sports & Fitness - Winnipeg Sikaran Arnis Academy Immigration & Settlement #PinoyCanada | Forum Newcomer Volunteer Recognition - Leila Castro Youth Volunteer Award - Hazel Anne Papelleras Lifetime Volunteer Award Aida Champagne To all nominees and awardees, maraming salamat po! Your hard work does not go unnoticed! Thank you all
for your tireless dedication to uplifting, growing and sharing our community, cultures and traditions. For more information and media about Pasasalamat, please visit us at http://www.facebook. com/DalagitaWinnipeg
Volunteers.
Culture Card Inc.
Full Nominees.
YOUR FUTURE IS WAITING
Dalagita.
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February 5-20, 2018
The Pulse of the Filipino Community Since 1987
204.275.2682 Now building in Waterford Green & surrounding Winnipeg areas
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M
araming tao na ang bukambibig ay ayaw raw nila ng pera kasi masama raw ang idinudulot nito sa tao at kesyo mabuti pa raw na wala silang pera basta masaya sila. Ha? Talaga lang, ha? Ayaw nila ng pera? Basta masaya sila?
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Napakaipokrito namang pagiisip niyan. Baka kaya lang nila sinasabi yan e kasi hirap silang magkapera, kaya sinasabi nila na okey lang kahit walang pera, basta masaya. E paano ka namang sasaya kung wala kang pera o kapos ka rito? E halos lahat ng kasiyahan ng tao e resulta ng pagkakapuno sa kanilang pangangailangan, at paano pa nga bang matutugunan ang mga pangangailangan kundi sa pamamagitan ng pera. Kailangan mong kumain…ano ang pambibili mo ng makakain? Kailangan mo ng tirahan…ano ang gagastusin mo pampagawa ng bahay? Ano ang ipambabayad mo sa renta? Kuryente? Tubig? Cable? Internet? Telepono? Kailangan mo ng isusuot pangalis o kahit na sa pang-araw-araw lang? Ano ang ipampapatahi mo ng damit o ipambibili rito? Kailangan mo ng cellphone, para mai-text o matawagan ang iyong mga kaibigan o mga mahal sa buhay para naman masiyahan ka. Ano ang ipambibili mo ng telepono; ano ang ipambabayad mo sa buwanang renta sa linya? Gusto mong makapiling lang sa bahay ang iyong mga mahal sa buhay at manood na lang ng palabas sa telebisyon o makinig ng musika sa radio, para makatipid. Wala ka pa ring lusot! Kailangan mo pa rin ng bahay na matitirhan, telebisyong magagamit, audio system, at iba pang mapagkakalibangan. Gusto mong mamasyal na lang kayo ng iyong kasintahan o pamilya sa park para makalibre nga naman. Bakit, akala mo ba e nakalibre ka pa rin? Kung pupunta kayo sa park na gamit ang inyong sasakyang binili (pera pa rin), e kailangan mo ng pera para pang-gasolina, di ba? O kahit sabihin mong wala kayong
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sariling sasakyan—e di mag-kocommute na lang kayo—bus, jeep, taxi, tren, tricycle, pedicab…di ba kailangan mo pa rin ng pera para sa pamasahe? O, di ba? Lahat ng galaw mo e kailangan mo ng pera. E kaya nga ang itinuturo sa mga bata e mag-aral mabuti, kailangang pumasok sa eskwela, at makatapos ng pag-aaral—para balang araw e gumanda ang kanilang kinabukasan. Paano? Kapag may natutunan at may napag-aralang maige, e di mas mataas ang tsansang makakuha ng magandang trabaho. Bakit kailangan ng trabaho? E ano pa—para kumita ng pera—perang gagastusin sa halos lahat ng pangangailangan. Kaya, wag ka nang ipokrito. Wag mong sabihing hindi mo kailangan ng pera para sumaya. Pag wala kang pera e saan ka titira, ano ang iyong kakainin, paano mo bubuhayin ang iyong pamilya, paano ka makakapamasyal—kailangan mo ng pamasahe at baon, paano mo ilalabas ang iyong nililigawan, paano kayo makakapagsimula ng bagong pamilya…kung wala kang pera? Kaya wag mo na sanang papangitin pa ang imahe ng pera, dahil isa yan sa pinakaimportanteng bagay sa mundo—sa ayaw mo man o sa gusto. Ang masama lang talaga e kung ang hinahangad o kinikita mong pera e galing sa masama o sa iligal na gawain—tulad ng pagnanakaw, panloloko, panggagantso, o pangungurakot! Samakatuwid, sa isyung ito, hindi ang pera ang masama, kundi iyong pamamaraang ginamit ng maraming tao para sila ay magkaroon ng pera. Dagdag pa rito, kung gagamitin mo ang pera sa masamang gawain— gaya ng mga bisyong nakasisira sa iyong kalusugan—alak, sigarilyo, iligal na droga, sugal—e hindi ang pera ang masama—kundi, yang mga gawaing iyan na pinaglalaanan mo ng pera—yan mismo ang masasama, hindi iyong pera. Dahil kahit gaano pa karami ang pera mo, kung iyan e gagamitin mo sa magagandang bagay, e walang masama r’yan. Sa Madaling Salita Ang pera ay hindi masama. Ang masama ay ang mga aktibidades na pinaggagamitan dito ng maraming tao na nakasisira sa kanyang sarili. O di kaya ay ang mga masamang paraan na kanyang ginagawa para magkaroon ng pera. Kaya yung mga tao na nagsasabi na ayaw nila ng pera kasi masama lang daw ang naidudulot nito sa kanila—e sila mismo ang mga walang tiwala sa kanilang sarili. Iniisip nila na pag nagkaroon sila ng pera e wala silang alam na mga mabubuting aktibidades na paglalaanan nito. Sa kanilang mga sarili sila takot—na baka kung anong mga kasamaan ang kanilang gawin pag nagkaroon sila ng maraming pera. Dahil ang isang mabuti at responsableng tao—gaano man karami o limpak-limpak ang pera na magkaroon sila, e siguradong sa mabubuting bagay nila ito gagastusin.
The Pulse of the Filipino Community Since 1987
February 5-20, 2018
23
SSS posts revenues of P175B at end-Nov 2017
Four ways that we might unknowingly push our children away from God DUPLICITY There may be no greater way that parents push their children away from GOD than by professing CHRIST but not living it. I am reminded of a time when a child was told to answer the phone and tell that person that Mom was not there. What does this tell the child? It seems to give them permission to lie, and children learn early on that lying is okay in some circumstances. When parents behave one way at church and then live totally different lives at home, children can see through that hypocrisy or duplicity a mile away. This drives them away from “religion” but also away from GOD. PUSHING THEM TOWARD GOD It’s ironic that when we push our children toward GOD and into a relationship with HIM, we can push them away from HIM. JESUS never forced HIMSELF on anyone but only said “Follow Me” (Matthew 16:14), not “You had better follow Me.” When parents are trying to put pressure on their children to be saved, they might cause a false conversion by their caving into their pressure just so the parents will get off their backs, or they might say they’re saved just to please their parents. But parents made a poor imitation of the HOLY SPIRIT and can do more harm than good when they try to force their children into being saved. Let the SPIRIT OF GOD convict them of their sins. It’s not a parent’s JOB to save them but ONLY to point them to CHRIST. THE HAND OFF When parents abdicate or give up their role as their children’s primary spiritual teacher and hand off all that responsibility to a Sunday school teacher or a youth leader, they are giving up the
greatest influence their children will ever have, which is his or her parents. What happens is that the Sunday school teacher’s or youth leader’s opinions are held in greater esteem than the parent’s opinions in spiritual or biblical matters. UNFAIR COMPARISONS When parents try to compare their own child with other children, the child might feel inadequate in the eyes of his parents. If parents say, “Look how Kenneth is at church, and see how well he behaves,” then they are sending their child the message that he is to be like Kenneth and not more like GOD. Also, when he sees the parents bra on another child and not him, then he’ll feel like a failure, which might even make them give up on trying since “when they measure themselves by one another and compare themselves with one another, they are without understanding” (2 Corinthians 10:12). A great way to help children stay in the faith or come to CHRIST and be saved is to remind them of the great things GOD has done in the past so they can trust GOD with the future. The Old Testament command for parents remain the same today as parents and grandparents are told, “You shall teach them to your children, talking of them when you are sitting in your house, and when you are walking by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates, that your days and the days of your children may be multiplied in the land that the LORD swore to your fathers to give them, as long as the heavens are above the earth” (Deuteronomy 11:19-21). GOD BLESS US ALL!
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State-run Social Security System (SSS) said over the weekend that its revenues reached nearly P175 billion in the first 11 months of 2017 on the back of aggressive collection efforts for members’ contribution, and investment and other income. SSS President and Chief Executive Officer Emmanuel F. Dooc said the pension fund's total revenues grew to P174.94 billion from January to November 2017, up 9.3 percent or P14.92 billion from the P160.02 billion it earned in the comparable period in 2016. “The growth in our contribution collection is primarily due to the collection drive of the current administration of the Social Security Commission along with the efforts of SSS employees who are in direct contact with our employer- and employeemembers every day,” Dooc said. Broken down, members’ contributions, which accounted for 82.5 percent of total revenues, grew to P144.36 billion in the 11 months ended November 2017 from P131.28 billion of end-November 2016. Investment and other income further increased to P30.58 billion from January to November 2017 from P28.74 billion of the comparable 2016 period. It was boosted by income from government securities, equities, and salary loans amounting to P11.04 billion, P8.15 billion and P7.61 billion, respectively. “Total investments, representing 92.6 percent of the pension fund’s total assets, rose by P16.68 billion due to additional placement in government bonds, new salary loans releases including restructured member loan accounts, and the reclassification of real estate properties,” Dooc explained. Likewise, end-November benefit payments in 2017 were higher at P157.39 billion compared to the P123.17 billion recorded in the same period in 2016, as hiked up by the P30.85 billion in total releases for
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the P1,000-additional benefit for pensioners. "The pension adjustments arising from the un-lumping of 1985 to 1989 contributions which we began to release to SSS death, retirement and disability pensioners in 2016 correspondingly increased benefit disbursements. The 3rd and 4th tranches of these pension adjustments that were released in June and September last year in the amount of P72.43 million and P66.92 million, respectively, contributed to the entire amount of benefit payments for that period ended in November. Also, the earlier tranches of adjustments released in in June and November 2016 have still an effect on 2017's total disbursements for benefits.” he added. Payments for retirement benefit made up the bulk of total benefit disbursements at P91.22 billion from January to November 2017, 25.72 percent higher than the P72.56 billion released in the same period in 2016. Likewise, benefit payments for death and maternity increased to P49.04 billion and P5.56 billion, respectively. Expenditures for disability, funeral grant, and sickness benefits rose to P5.71 billion, P3.50 billion, and P2.35 billion, respectively, while expenditures dropped to P11 million for medical services, and P1.48 million for rehabilitation services. Operating expenses of the pension fund, which included personnel services and maintenance, and other operating expenses were slightly lower by 0.4 percent to P7.86 billion at end-November 2017 compared to the P7.89 billion of the comparable 2016 period. Meanwhile, Social Security Commission Chairman Amado D. Valdez said the Commission shall adopt measures that will ensure the stability of SSS financial position. SSS total resources as of end-November 2017 stood at P493.29 billion or P16.89 billion higher than 2016 year-end level of P476.4 billion.
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February 5-20, 2018
The Pulse of the Filipino Community Since 1987
Sudoku Puzzles are games of patience, numbers and genius! The satisfaction of solving a challenging Sudoku Puzzle is one of the greatest accomplishments any sudoku game player can experience. Here is the puzzle. Good luck!
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Horoscope A friend could move out of your social circle, or you might have to make new friends, perhaps because of a move. There could be a few alterations to your social life, because your friendship zone could ring in key changes. It’s also possible that your time with a certain group or club has come to an end and it’s time to move on. If so, this is all part of the rich tapestry of life. New developments will follow shortly.
Your instincts may be telling you that if you want to move ahead, you’ll need to release any conditions and situations in your life that no longer serve your best interests. This could be a radical change, because your sector of transformation is encouraging you to let go of the past. It’s also likely that you know exactly what these are but are unwilling to let them go. This is natural. There’s no hurry. The intention to act can be a positive start.
They could be a turning point for you, because you could ring in changes regarding certain relationships. Feelings may build up over ahead, with the coinciding decision that affects the future of a key bond. If your relationship is strong, this can be a positive change. However, if things have been going downhill for you, you might decide to move on. If so, don’t feel guilty.
A goal or opportunity that you’d counted on may not come to achievement. They would be just as well to showcase your skills and be seen in the best possible light. However, with your sector of goals and ambitions, this might be easier said than done. If you handle this with grace, others will be inspired by your example. Stay calm and confident, though, as something better may be on its way.
If your relationship is strong, will allow you to clear the air and restore harmony. Key bonds could go through some changes your sector of relating. An issue that has been bother you could come to the surface for resolution However, if you haven’t been getting on very well with someone, they could bring the realization that perhaps it’s time to let go.
It might show itself in your dreams or perhaps in a general anxiety that you want to investigate. An issue that has been buried could come to the surface around and stirs up your feelings. It might help to take some time out and lighten your schedule. Doing so could allow you to connect more deeply with this matter, understand where it comes from, and figure out what you can do about it. You might feel much better as result.
Travel or study plans could be thrown into danger, because your sector of far horizons could put your schedule in doubt. It’s even possible that you might have to postpone your plans until another time. However, this could work in your favor. You could find that an even better opportunity shows up and that you’re glad you were delayed. They look particularly bouncy and delightful, so make the most of it.
You could see changes occurring in your social life and in the way you spend your leisure time. Your leisure sector could rule events, so this could be quite an emotional. If you find yourself falling in love, it might be helpful to step back. Relationships begun at this time can have a fated quality and may not work out as you hope. In general, though, your social life looks pleasantly spicy.
Money matters might need extra care at this time, because your financial sector could blend things up and bring an ongoing issue to the surface. If this is something you’ve tried to ignore, you may no longer be able to do so. Events could encourage you out into the open where you might be forced to deal with it. As difficult as this may be, it could also be a huge release and relief for you.
If you find it difficult to see eye to eye with a family member, you may feel strongly about an issue and not want to back down. If you can put yourself in his or her shoes, you might see things differently. You don’t have to completely agree, but making an effort can encourage a compromise. So it might be time to discuss your plans with someone who can help you.
You might have one plan, but the cosmos might have another, so you could have no option but to go with the flow. Be careful about what you commit to or promise, because your sector of talk and thought could make it hard to follow through. This can bring an unexpected opportunity your way or news out of the blue. It’s also possible that a door may close. If so, know that another one will open for you very soon.
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You might reach a point where you need to make decisions about your overall health and how to ensure that you stay fit going forward. Try to lighten your schedule if you can. This is because your sector of lifestyle and wellness could see your energy level dip. The focus on a more isolated sector of your chart suggests making time for reflection, because deeper patterns may be at work. Acknowledging these can allow you to feel refresh.
The Pulse of the Filipino Community Since 1987
February 5-20, 2018
House sets Jan. 18 as “Araw ng mga Kasambahay” The House committee on revision of laws chaired by Rep. Marlyn PrimiciasAgabas (6th District, Pangasinan) approved on Tuesday House bill 6285 seeking to declare January 18 of every year a non-working holiday as "Araw ng mga Kasambahay." Authored by Majority Leader Rodolfo Fariñas, the bill recognizes the integral role of all kasambahay in households across the country. The date commemorates the enactment into law of Republic Act No. 10361, otherwise known as the Domestic Workers Act or Batas Kasambahay, on January 18, 2013. RA 10361 defines a domestic worker or kasambahay as any person engaged in domestic work within an employment relationship such as, but not limited to, general househelp, nursemaid or yaya, cook, gardener or laundry person. This excludes any person who performs domestic work only occasionally or sporadically and not on an occupational basis. With the declaration of a holiday dedicated to kasambahay, domestic workers shall be given a work-free day during which they can attend to the activities that may be organized by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) or to attend to their muchneeded personal errands. Joji Aragon, DOLE Assistant Secretary, voiced the DOLE’s support for a holiday to commemorate domestic workers. She however said that a specific date for the holiday, which may fall on a weekday depending on the year, might
mean employers would have to stay at home and take time off from work so that their kasambahay could celebrate the holiday. Committee member Rep. Joseph Stephen Paduano said that the bill specifically provided that should the holiday fall on a weekend, the special nonworking holiday shall be observed on the Friday of that week. He argued that the spirit of the bill was to provide a work-free day that would not coincide with the weekend, which was when most kasambahay had their rest days. Moreover, the approved bill provides the Secretary of Labor and Employment, in coordination with the Secretary of Education and the DirectorGeneral of the Philippine Information Agency, to implement activities for the continuing dissemination and information campaign to honor domestic workers. The approval of the bill would fulfill the mandate of RA 10361, a labor and social landmark legislation. Fariñas said that prior to the passage of the "Domestic Workers Act," there were about 2.9 million domestic household workers in the country who grappled with the harsh conditions attendant to their everyday work and who had nothing to safeguard their rights and welfare. “The important role that domestic workers play in the growth of the Filipino society cannot be disputed. With the help of domestic workers, employers have the time and luxury to work and pursue their careers and still manage to have a happy and healthy family,” Fariñas said.
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(This column is reserved for the readers of Filipino Journal who have something to say about particular issues concerning, but not limited to, the Filipino culture especially politics and current events. So, if you have something to say, write it down and then submit it to elfideas102@yahoo.com. If we find your article befitting our standards, we will publish it here.—Ed.)
H
orror movies have always been a hit not only among adults but also children alike. Perhaps this penchant originates from the human tendency to equally fear and fancy the unknown. In the recent years, filmdom continues to be graced with Horror films
that have turned into long-running series, further investigating not only the unknown but also the deeper meanings and especially origins of such characters and circumstances that animate them. For this issue’s contributors column, we are featuring Caillou Pettis’s review of the latest
The Pulse of the Filipino Community Since 1987
installment to the Supernatural Horror film series Insiduous, which began in 2010, followed by a sequel, 2013’s Chapter 2; and two prequels, 2015’s Chapter 3 and this year’s The Last Key. *Caillou Pettis is a Calgary-born film critic, actor, director, and writer. He reviews films, old and new. Insidious: The Last Key (A Film Review) I’ve been a fan of the now long-running film series Insidious ever since the first installment was released eight years ago. But, with Adam Robitel’s Insidious: The Last Key, the franchise may have finally run out of the creative vibes that made each episode so amazing. A prequel to 2010’s Insidious, the movie that started it all, The Last Key follows Elise Rainier (Lin Shaye), a well-trusted and experienced parapsychologist. She receives a disturbing phone call one day from a man who tells her that he believes his house has seen some paranormal activities. In a desperate plea for assistance, he asks Rainier to pay him a clinical visit in hopes of driving the evil spirits away. However, to her horror, she realizes that the haunted house in question is actually her scarring childhood home. With the help of her two fearless paranormal assistants, Specs (Leigh Whannell) and Tucker (Angus Sampson), Rainier embarks on her journey to the home she once lived in, ready to confront demons from the past. Upon her arrival, she discovers terrifying secrets about the entities haunting the place. Against the worrisome odds, Rainier and company must destroy an extremely dangerous spirit that roams the halls. Let me just say this right off the bat, Shaye is easily the best thing about The Last Key. Reprising her role from the previous Insidious films, she is again riveting; and given how prominently the character is featured, and how personal the story is to Rainier, Shaye delivers her best performance of the series. Sadly, the same cannot be said for the rest of the cast. There were some truly cringe-worthy moments scattered throughout. A couple of lines of dialogue in the film just did not feel right in a film
like this. One of the film’s main characters, Specs, jokes how the team’s paranormal RV that they use to travel should be named the “Winnebaghost.” When this line of dialogue was spoken, the theatre felt completely empty, as if everybody in the audience at that moment cringed. If they did, then they are not alone. Whannell portrays Specs as aforementioned, but he also serves as the film’s screenwriter. Additionally, he directed the previous film in the franchise Insidious: Chapter 3. He definitely knows the characters of this series considerably well, and the best aspect of his involvement with The Last Key is his character development with Rainier. Chapter 3 was, up until The Last Key, my least favorite of the series; but that being said, it remains an exceptionally creepy film with some great tension. Since this film is a prequel to the first Insidious film, references, secrets, and connections to it are inevitable. The Last Key handles this in a poor manner, unfortunately. One of the scenes in the third act of the film was obviously there just to tie this film with the first one. It felt absurd and rushed, and, perhaps the best way that they could have tied this film with Insidious was to include story elements from that film. However, instead of doing this, they chose to quickly tie everything together by showing scenes from Insidious in a timespan of about thirty seconds, rendering haphazard results. My main issue with almost every Insidious film previous was the film’s strange choice of humor. When you really think about it, attempts at humor simply does not belong in this kind of film that deals with abusive families, satanic demons, and paranormal activity. However,
in previous installments though, the humor, while annoying, did not necessarily distract you completely from the story. In The Last Key though, the attempts at humor did bug me. I saw this film in a theatre that was pretty packed, full of people who seemed eager to watch the film, like myself. But whenever a character said something that was intended to be funny, there was not even a slight chuckle that could be heard anywhere throughout the crowd, including myself. The scenes involving Rainier’s abusive family relationships as a young child were easily the most captivating in this picture. Those sequences, while quite limited, were extremely emotional, and I felt deep sympathy for Rainier. It is just that the film chooses only to explore it a handful of times, then completely ignore it. This unfortunately does feel like the only Insidious film in which the horror elements did not scare me nearly at all. There was only one scene towards the end of the second act that actually had true tension and was filmed excellently. Yes, there are plenty of horror-related scenes, but they are mainly jump scares, which got on my nerves a little bit. I did, however, like the big twist involving the film’s main entity, and it took me quite offguard. It was excellently done and added exceptionally more to the story, which was great and surprising. Ultimately, Insidious: The Last Key boils down to only one remarkable aspect—that is, the amazing performance of Lin Shaye. The rest of the film is a tired and uninspired attempt at scaring viewers by relying solely on jump scares. Overall, this is the most disappointing film in the Insidious franchise yet.
Local officials cite increase in number of Mayon evacuees
T
he number of evacuees in Albay province swelled to almost 84,500 as the Philippine Institute of Seismology and Volcanology (Phivolcs) strongly advised the public to be vigilant and desist from entering the eight kilometer-radius danger zone, The threats of a possible major explosion of Mt. Mayon
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resulted in the surge of evacuees now totaling to 84,425 individuals or 21,987 families from the 61 barangays within the danger zone. The Provincial Disaster Operation Center in Legazpi City reported that the figure consists of 15,000 individuals or 3,696 families higher than the recorded number of individuals or families evacuated from the danger zone
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as of Tuesday. The evacuees are currently sheltered in 79 evacuations centers located in different Albay towns.
Solid Mindanaoans of Manitoba meets at Hot Rod Grill
T
he up and coming Solid Mindanaoans of Manitoba, a community association composed of Filipinos from Mindanoa, held their meeting recently at Hot Rod Grill, the latest venue where associations and organizations have a great time for their meetings. The officers
of the SMM, include, from left to right: Denby Perez, youth representative, John Amper, assistant treasurer; Josephine Facundo, president; Jeanette Perez, secretary; and Rebecca Pedersen, treasurer; Standing, Ed Lagabala, chef of Hot Rod, who hails from Davao; and Rene Recones, vice president.
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The Pulse of the Filipino Community Since 1987
Aldrin and Miriam Deuna celebrates silver wedding anniversary A perfect surprise for a double-event celebrations, it is also the 50th birthday of Miriam Aldrin and Miriam Deuna celebrated their 25th wedding ceremony with surprise. A perfect surprise to have a double-event marking also Miriam's 50th birthday celebration. Complete secrecy had been observed by the organizers led by Aldrin Deuna, together with their children, Anthony Francis, Allaine Chezka, Fatima and Aldrin Carmelo Deuna with the cooperation of Myxzimages and Natalie de Leon. Many had been involved in the preparation while Miriam was in Manila for a short holiday. At the ceremony held at Holiday Inn, the family members, the wedding entourage, the
organizers and the guests were so cooperative to make the celebration unforgettable. When Miriam arrived at the hotel, she was welcomed by her friends who started preparing her for the celebration. Upon entering the reception hall, she could believe what was happening. Reality stroke her with surprises, and almost cried without words. That was a perfect surprise for her who was also celebrating her 50th birthday. Aldrin and Miriam extended their heartfelt thank yous to those who were involved in the preparation making the double celebration a perfect surprise! Priceless moments!
Aldrin and Miriam with their children: Anthony Francis, Aldrin Carmelo, Fatima and Allaine Chezka Deuna.
Msgr. Enrique Samson, Jr, officiates the renewal of vows of Aldrin and Miriam Deuna.
Miriam tries to compose herself after the wedding ceremony, still feeling the happiness.
Photo by Rod Cantiveros | Filipino Journal
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The Silvery Anniversary celebrants with the cake, Photos by Henry Balanial
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February 5-20, 2018
The Pulse of the Filipino Community Since 1987
Active 204 Neighbourhood Watch Patroller was Once a Bigtime Drug Dealer
It took half year before I finally convinced him to do this interview. Because I will bring out in this article some sensitive details of his life, I am opting to hide his identity and instead will refer to him as “Cardo”. Cardo and I agreed to do the interview at his house. I had another agenda and it was to taste again the delicious lomi (noodle soup) that his girlfriend cooks. The other 204 Neighbourhood Watch patrollers learned about the plan, the supposedly just interview for this article became a get together event for the volunteers. Cardo has a well kept and quite homey house. I mentioned to him again how jealous I am of his indoor plants. The two aloe vera in large pots are the most perfect of such that I have seen. He also has five-year old calamondin plants, a fourteen-year old balete bonsai, and a lot more. There were many pictures on the wall, an indication of the importance he gives to his family, and his deep love and connection to them. It was a perfect home, and Cardo and his girlfriend were among the most hospitable hosts I have met. Who would have thought that Cardo was once a big time drug dealer in Winnipeg. That was in the 90’s when he used to earn average of 150,000 dollars per month for the illegal drug trade. More than a decade after that, he is now an active 204 Neighbourhood Watch patroller.
“Cardo” being interviewed by Leila Castro.
sense, because I have been hanging with these kind of people for so long that I know already. Yung mga pulis may mga instinct sila na this guy is no good. Yung kilos pa lang nya iba na. Katulad sa kanila, sila trained to Cardo is now in his early 50’s. look for certain behavior. (Just like He arrived in Winnipeg when he was the police who have the instinct ato just a teenager. He has eight siblings, sense if the guy is no good. It is easy for them to spot a bad guy based 6 of which are also in Winnipeg. Leila: What was Winnipeg like on body language and behavior). Yung kilos ng tao (drug user), like in your growing years? Cardo: During my younger di sya mapakali, he is swearing for years there were a lot of available no reason. Nagrereact yung bodily jobs in Winnipeg, it was easy to get a organs nila (sa drugs) eh. (The drug job. I worked as a shipper/receiver. I users also act differently. They are restless and swearing for no reason. also worked at KFC. Leila: How deep was your It’s because their bodily organs react involvement in illegal drug trade here on drugs) Leila: You have seen first hand in Winnipeg? the world of people who are using Cardo: I was involved in Asian or addicted to drugs, or doing drug drug trade. My biggest transaction dealing. What was their reason for was a kilo which was 36 thousand using drugs, or for selling them? dollars at that time. I can turn that Cardo: For most of them, it is for over or sell it to 150 thousand dollars. So even if magarbo ka, entertainment, it (drugs) is acceptable kasi ang pinupuntahan lang naman when you go to club. It is glamorized. namin noon ay mga club, karaoke, Even if reading the papers, the rock yun ang hang out namin, kung mga stars and everybody else are also 50 thousand na yun, you are still up doing it. So the users want to live that (Even if you are extravagant, because certain way too. Leila: When you say glamorous, we go to clubs and karaoke bars, even if you spend 50 thousand out of 150 is that equivalent to what Filipinos thousand dollars, you still have a lot term as “sosyal”? Cardo: Yes, you look up to that of money left). certain somebody, you want to be like The 150 thousand is within a them. You are idolizing them and all. month. That was average of 1 kilo. They are doing it, you can do that, At the same time, you don’t work for anybody, you are on your own. too. Just like in he Philippines, Joseph As long as nababayaran mo yung Estrada drinks the blue label, so nabibili mo, you are ok, wala ding certain people who are drinkers, they threat na yung supplier mo ay gonna want to drink the same thing. Pero rob you or something, kasi sila gusto ako nasubukan ko din yung drink na lang nilang mairelease yung hawak yun, there is nothing special, hahaha! nila. Yung 100 thousand sa kin nay (I also tried that drink but there was yun. (As long as you pay what you nothing special in it) But then, you get from the supplier, the latter will have to pay 200 bucks for a bottle. Leila: What kind of drugs did not harm you. They justCustomer want to Ad Reference: ID: Ad Type: Page: you sell? release to the/ market the drugs they DHCW / WP 1000067806 1000557380 1 of 1 Cardo: Mostly cocaine. I had have on hand). Ad Request ID: Ad Class: Ad Proof Date: customers. The upper class, I had a partner for this drug high-end 1-5175499912 SPEC 2016-01-05 12:58 let’s just put it that way. Others cannot business, however he became a user, Ad Placement Reference: afford it, but many Filipinos can. This soWPGY/YPE/16/Credit I had to let him go.&Nagrerelyebo Debt Counselling kasi kami eh (We take turns). Today was in the 90’s. I started drug dealing your turn, tomorrow it is mine. in 1995. Users were any age. I had a You can’t go to sleep. The phone is rule before that if teen ager, you are always ringing. It is non-stop. I was not allowed. Demands were all over not a user, I never tried. I was just Winnipeg. I did drug dealing for almost 10 years. alcoholic. Leila: How was the demand on It is hard to tell if a person is a your first year compared to the 10th drug user. But it is like I have a sixth year? Cardo: On the 10th year, that was when I was slowing down. It was because I was being watched. I knew it, I was being watched and I got caught. So, they (police) busted me again. And I did not want to go back to jail because they were charging me with 4 counts of gangsterism. In gangsterism, the minimum sentence was 4 years. They created a new law, so they rounded us up, 35 people who were Asians. They (police) went to our houses in the morning and busted the doors down. They caught us, we were gathered together at the RCMP unit. We were being charged with
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gangsterism. I was being charged with 4 times gangsterism. So that was 16 years, and I was already a second offender, what would I do? I fought that charge. If I was a second offender, If I would be sentenced then I would be jailed for another 8 years. All the money I had, they were all over the place (ex-wife’s place). Ang kagandahan noon may 1000 dollar bills, so that 180 thousand dollars na naipon ko, ganyan lang. (It was an advantage that there was 1000 dollar bill in those days, so the 180 thousand dollars that I saved was just this compact). Leila: What made you stop, to reform or to turn around your life? Cardo: I just made a choice. I literally dropped everything, guns and everything. I had to start from nothing. Because I couldn’t live with my life that I did that (drug dealing), I wanna be proud of myself that I did it (decent job). Because I was living under those things that were not mine, and I was not proud of it. I wanna be proud, I can’t lie to myself. That’s it. You can never lie to yourself. So, I had to start over. Literally start over. Homeless. I had her (pointed to his girlfriend). We were sleeping on garage during winter time, in my car. That was how I started. (Told myself) I’m gonna be ok, I’m gonna start over, I’m not going back to that stuff. Leila: What year was that? Cardo: In year 2000 something.. Because before I met her, I was going back to that business on and off. It was easy to go back. But then, one day I just said, “What do I really want to do with my life?”. Kasi nga at that time I was not doing any good, I was not doing any bad either. I wanted something. I wanted to be proud of myself. And that was what I did. I brought up myself. I bought my own house. And that was it, that was the reward. And now that I have so much things that I don’t really need, I wanted to help somebody. So everytime I see people (involved in illegal drugs), even if they do not ask, I let them know that hey you are not doing any good. I tell them, “See.. I know what you are doing. Forgive me if I am intruding to you, but hey, one of these days whatever you are doing, I did it, and it ain’t gonna go nowhere man. It’s gonna end soon, sooner or later.” Leila: You had to start again from nothing. How did you slowly bounce back in terms of job, in terms of earnings? Cardo: It just so happens that I had also, probably benefitted with my drug connections because I ended up with a lot of friends. I was also one of those drug dealers that if you are a user or a buyer from me, I don’t treat you like you are nothing. I still treat you as a person. Not like the other drug dealers that literally would look at you as a low life, I give you drugs but I am still advising you at
the same time. I would even go, “Hey Pre (friend), how much money do you have?” Say he’d say 50 bucks. “Ok 50 bucks is one piece. Ok I will give you 3 but don’t call me again.” It was what I was doing. I had a lot of drugs on hand, I could afford to give it away. Leila: How was your family treating you? Cardo: They knew but I was not attending family functions. I literally stepped away from my family. ‘Coz everytime there was gathering I’d attend, I’d just be there for just 5 minutes. Because everything to me was money. My phone was always ringing. Leila: So your family wanted you to be always around but you were the one distancing yourself from them? Cardo: I was always invited, but at the same time I was also addicted with power. I was being wanted all the time. I had become the important guy. At that time bihira din yung naka cellphone (At that time, very few could afford cellphones). For myself, I had 3 or 4 cellphones. And I had 2 people working for me. I supplied them with cellphones. Boss talaga ang dating (I was a like a real boss). We had a friend who was a limo driver. We drove around with limo. Leila: Your friends who were included in the round up and charged as gangster, what is their life now? Cardo: Some of them I don’t see anymore. Some of them retired. Some of them got deported to the Philippines. Some of them don’t know me anymore. You really can tell who your friends are when you don’t have money. That’s what I found out. Leila: Did anyone decide to reform like you did? Cardo: There are people that I talked to na to change. They were my enemies in the beginning because they would rather do drugs. But now they are not using anymore. Nagpapasalamat pa sila. Especially family and older friends, pag nagkikita kami sinasabi nila buti na lang di ka nagsawa sa pangangaral sa akin noon. Yan ang sinasabi nila. And then those have become my real friends. Hindi ka nila makakalimutan. Yun na lang ang kayamanan ko.. at saka ang girlfriend ko! Hehe.. (They thanked me specially my family and older friends. When I see them, they tell me that good thing I did not get tired of giving them guidance. They have become my real friends. They never forget me. They are my life treasure now.. and of course also my girlfriend). Leila: You are one of the most active patrollers of 204 Neighbourhood Watch. What drives you to continue being part of the group? Cardo: I guess it’s just my make up. ‘Coz I know that I could help. continuation on page 29
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January 25 Daniel McIntyre Patrolling.
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January 11 Daniel McIntyre Patrolling.
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February 5-20, 2018
The Pulse of the Filipino Community Since 1987
Active 204... from page 29
You needed help and I knew that I could help. It’s just my make up, that’s the way I am. Even my parents way back then, they were always being helpful, and I would look up to them, and always thought I should be like them. Even though no one told me to do such a thing (being helpful). Even though my dad died early, he is no longer around but I remember things like that. So it was the way I
was brought up I guess. It’s the right thing to do and it makes me feel good. Leila: Do you regret anything in your life? What do you advice to the young people? Cardo: I would never change anything, ‘coz that was my life. I found out who I was, that I can do it, and start from nothing again, and I can get up. So, anything now.. Anything that will come up now, I can tackle it and go over it. Any problem that I encounter, from now on I will just be ok. Like I said I’ve been through a
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lot. But I was able to go and conquer. So, nothing will surprise me anymore. And in terms of giving advice to kids that I see are gonna go through what I went through, you will never last, you will get caught one of these days. And… Leila: They will eventually become patrollers, like you. Hahaha! Cardo: They will eventually be patrolled by the police; or they will become neighbourhood watch patrollers. Hahaha! January 18 Daniel McIntyre Patrolling.
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Did you become a new parent, grandparent, aunt or uncle?
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Several members of our team are fluent in Tagalog to make the purchase experience that much more comfortable for our customers. It’s that dedication to 100% customer satisfaction that continues to make Crown Honda the premier destination for all things Honda in Winnipeg. Whether you visit us for a test drive or to explore financing
SALES MANAGERS
FINANCIAL SERVICES
options, you can always expect excellence from our team. We strive to make car ownership easy for you and all of our guests! Glenn Alcantara
Marc Tolentino
Jack Reves
FIND US AT 2610 MCPHILLIPS STREET! 2610 McPhillips St CrownHonda.ca
204-284-6632
Making Car Ownership Easy Dealer Permit # 4297
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Mark Deguzman
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February 5-20, 2018
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